Tobacco shaking and hanging machine



March 15, 1955 A. J, YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE 14 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 3, 1950 ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNGTOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE l4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 3, 1950l l l l n." I NH n hhl l fl l l hl INVENTVOQRR AzFeED J You/v6 ATTORNEYMarch 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE l4Sheets-Sheet 3 Q hw INVENTOR 4.45959 d )/0U/V6 Filed Oct. 5,

ATTORNEY A. J. YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE March 15, 195514 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 3, 1950 llfrllllllll w J m M. A

' ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGINGMACHINE 14 Shee'ts-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 3, 1950 INVENTOR Ameeo .1 you/v6ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINEl4 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 3, 1950 INVENTOR ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A.J. YOUNG 2,704,080

TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE Filed Oct. 3, 1950 14 Sheets-Sheet vIN VENTOR ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNG 2,704,080

TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE Filed Oct. 5, 1950 14 Sheets-Sheet 8INVENTOR 4; FEED J Yam/6 BY W ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNGTOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE 14 Shets-Sheet 9 Filed 001.. 3, 1950QQKQQQQQQ INVENTOR Az F850 J am/G WWW ATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J.YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE.

l4 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Oct. 5, 1950 INVENTOR' 4.4 FEED J You/v6ATT'ORNEY A. J. YOUNG 2,704,080

TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE March 15, 1955 Filed Oct. 5, 1950 14Sheets-Sheet ll .19. /06 //0 ya ;9 ma- 2/ 706 9 916 R119 INVENTORATTORNEY March 15, 1955 A, J. YOUNG TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINEl4 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Oct. 3, 1950 INVENTOR 42/250 J row 6 ATTORNEYMarch 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNG 2,704,080

TOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE Filed Oct. 3, 1950 14 Sheets-Sheet13 INVENTOR 44;?50 J Fowl/6 A'IV'TORNEY March 15, 1955 A. J. YOUNGTOBACCO SHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE l4 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed OCC. 3,1950 INVENTOR {45250 J. You/v6 6km ATTORNEY United States Patent TOBACCOSHAKING AND HANGING MACHINE Alfred Joshua Young, Petersburg, Va.

Application October 3, 1950, Serial No. 188,135

7 Claims. (Cl. 131-138) This invention relates to a tobacco shaking andhanging machine, and more particularly to such a machine which isadapted for use with tobacco bunches.

As now practiced in the tobacco art, bunches of tobacco consist ofleaves wrapped at their ends to form a head. These bunches are nowshaken by employees, placed upon a table and then removed by otheremployees who hang such bunches on a stick. The foregoing operation, forinstance, may require three groups of employees to accomplish thehanging. The first group consisting of shakers who shake the bunches soas to loosen the leaves for hanging, a second group who place thebunches on the sticks and a third group to take the stick, laden withbunches, away. This invention is designed not only to decrease thenumber of employees required in the above operation, but also to providethe same results with such a machine.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision of a machine forshaking and hanging tobacco bunches.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a machine adaptedto shake and hang tobacco bunches at a uniform rate and with less manualoperation.

Other objects and features will more fully appear from thle followingdescription and accompanying drawings, in w ich:

Fig. 1 is a side diagrammatic elevational view of the device;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section of the conveyor table;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a metal slide;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the elevator;

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a perspective of one of a group of hinged slides;

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view of a combined steamair chamber;

Fig. 13 is a sectional plan view along line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view showing exit from said steam andair chamber;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view along line 15-15 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view along line 1616 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of a belt;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19 of Fig. 20;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 of Fig. 18;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of a belt showing rubber lugs;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 23 is a sectional view along line 23-23 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a stick holding tobacco bunches;

Fig. 25 is a horizontal enlarged sectional view along line 25-25 of Fig.12;

Fig. 26 is a vertical enlarged sectional view of the convertor;

Fig. 27 is a sectional view along line 27-27 of Fig. 26;

Fig.d28 is a sectional view along lines 28-28 of Fig. 26, an

2,704,080 Patented Mar. 15, 1955 "ice Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic sideelevation of the device showing the gear drive.

Referring to the drawings, a table or initial conveyor 1 comprises a top2 (Fig. (i) to which are secured sides 3 and 4. A plurality of legs 5are secured to side 3, while a similar number of legs 0 are secured toside 4; each leg constituting one leg of a pair of legs, and being heldfirmly by braces 7. A roller 8 (Fig. 5) has its axle journalled inbearings 9 and 10 (Figs. 3 and 4), each being housed in movable fashionin boxes 11 and 12, respectively, secured to sides 3 and 4. Adjusters 13and 14 are respectively mounted, in threadable fashion, in boxes 11 and12, and secured to bearings 9 and 10 in a rotatable manner. It isobvious that the adjusters may be actuated to cause bearings 9 and 10 tomove roller 8 back and forth in a horizontal plane.

A roller 15 (Fig. 5) has each of the ends of its axle respectivelyjournalled in bearings 16 and 17 (Figs. 3 and 4) respectively disposedin sides 3 and 4 and a gear 18 is secured to one end of said axle. Aconveyor belt 19, preferably of heavy canvas, is mounted upon, androtatable about, rollers 8 and 15, and circumvents over and under top 2of the table. Guides 20 and 21 (Figs. 4 and 6) are respectively boltedto sides 3 and 4 so as to extend vertically across the edges of belt 19when it passes over top 2. Rollers 22 (Fig. 5) are journalled inbearings secured to sides 3 and 4 and are adapted to engage belt 19 asit moves along the bottom of top 2, and thereby prevent any substantialfiapping of said belt.

The belt is adapted to move over the top of table 1 towards and aboutroller 15, and tobacco bunches 23 each have a head 24; said bunchesadapted to be received or placed upon belt 19 with their head portionsadjacent guide 20 (Fig. 4). The tobacco bunches are placed in horizontalposition upon the table. It will be observed that the adjusters mayactuate roller 8 to tighten or loosen the belt as desired. A metal slideor ramp 25 (Figs. 3-4) has each of its ends respectively secured tosides 3 and 4, and over which the bunches 23 slide after they have leftthe conveyor belt 19.

A pair of braces 26 and 27 (Figs. 8 and 9) have their highest endsrespectively secured to sides 3 and 4 of table or initial conveyor 1,and their lowest ends to legs 28 and 29 of an elevator or conveyor inthe frame 30. A roller 31 (Fig. 8) has each of the ends of its axlerespectively journalled in bearings (Fig. 9) housed in boxes 32 and 33secured to braces 26 and 27, and is adjustable in similar fashion ashereinbefore described with respect to roller 8. A roller 34 (Fig. 8)also has each of the ends of its axle respectively mounted, in rotatablefashion, in cross-beams 35 and 36 (Fig. 10) of the elevator or conveyorin the frame. Beams 35 and 36 are respectively secured to legs 28 and 37and 29 and 38 (Fig. 10) of frame 30.

A gear 39 (Fig. 9) is secured to one end of the axle of roller 34, andmeshes with a gear 40 secured to one end of an axle 41 housed in abearing 42 mounted on leg 37. The other end of axle 41 has fixed theretoa gear 43. A conveyor or elevator belt 44, also preferably of heavycanvas, is mounted upon rollers 31 and 34, in rotatable fashion, and asupport or base 45 (Fig. 8) is secured to legs 28 and 29 and beams 35and 36. The base extends upwardly from roller 31 to roller 34, and formssupporting means for belt 44 which elevates and conveys the tobaccobunches up the incline as said belt is actuated. Guides 46 and 47 (Figs.9 and 10) are respectively secured to members 28 and 35 and 29 and 36and project slightly over and transversely of the edges of belt 44. Itwill be noted that the adjusters (Fig. 9) of boxes 32 and 33 may bemoved to cause the belt 44 to be tightened or loosened.

Beams 48 and 49 (Fig. 9) are respectively secured to legs 28 and 37; and29 and 38 (Fig. 10). An axle 50 (Fig. 9) passes through beams 48 and 49,legs 37 and 38 and is journalled in hearings in said last named membersof the elevator frame 30. Secured to axle 50, between beams 48 and 49are cogwheels 51, 52 and 53. Mounted upon one end of axle 50 is a gear54 (Fig. 9) that meshes with a gear 55 secured to one end of an axle 56journalled in bearings 57 and 58 mounted upon leg 37 (Fig. 29). Theother end of said axle has secured thereto a gear 59.

A crossbar 60 is secured to legs 28 and 29, and cogwheels 61, 62 and 63(Fig. 9) are mounted respectively in frames 64, 65 and 66, which aresecured, in movable fashion, to adjusters 67, 68 and 69, housed, inthreadable fashion and in spaced relation to each other in crossbar 60.Chains 70, 71 and 72 are respectively mounted upon cogwheels 51 and 61,52 and 62, and 53 and 63. The chains being under the force of gravity(Fig. 8) hang downwardly from their respective cogwheels 61, 62 and 63and rest upon belt 44 and move upwardly in unison with said belt. Underthe upper stretch of each chain is respectively disposed slides orsupports 73, 74 and 75. The slides (Fig. 11) are hinged at their upperends to a bar 76 (Figs. 8 and 9) secured to beams 48 and 49; their otherends being provided with pairs of legs respectively supported in slots738, Fig. 8, of frames 64, 65 and 66. It is obvious that said slidesform supports over which the chains ride downwardly. A slide 77 (Fig. 8)is secured to beams 35 and 36 and is tilted at an angle so that thetobacco bunches 23 reecived from belt 44 are conveyed to a convertorconveyor 78.

With particular reference to the convertor conveyor and its structure,this device is adapted to receive the tobacco bunches in horizontalfashion and convert them while conveying to a perpendicular position.The convertor conveyor has a pair of axles 79 and 80 (Figs. 8 and 26)which are respectively journalled in bearings, one over the other,disposed in legs 37 and 38. A pair of cogwheels 81 and 82 arerespectively secured to axles 79 in a common vertical plane, and arerotatable with said axles. A pair of axles 83 and 84 (Figs. 13, 25 and26) are respectivelv iournalled in sets of bearings 85 and 86 (Figs. 12and 29), in perpendicular fashion, secured to one end of a chamber orchest 87 and disposed in sets on either side of an inlet 88 in saidchest.

To each axle 83 and 84 are respectively secured in horizontal fashioncogwheels 89 and 90 (Fig. 25). A pair of guides comprising channelmembers or slotted casings 91 and 92 (Figs. 18, 25 and 26) arerespectively provided with tracks 93 and 94 (Figs. 18 and 19) adapted toaccommodate rollers 95 mounted. in rotatable fashion, on axles 96secured in carriages 97. The end portions of the carriages proiectthrough slots 98 of the casings and are provided with nibs 99 (Fi 18)which are adapted for anchorage in lugs 100 (Fig. 21) formed upon theinner sides of belts 101 and 102. The belts are preferably made from asomewhat hard outer coating with a spongelike interior or centralportion as shown in Fig. 21. The outer facings of the belts are ribbedin longitudinal fashion to form a better gripping surface as shown inFig. 17. It will be noted from the foregoing that rollers 95 and theircompanion structure are adapted to support the belts as they move alongthe track with their ribbed surfaces in a substantial vertical plane.

Tracks 103 and 104 in casings 91 and 92 are respectively adapted toaccommodate rollers 105 (Figs. 19 and 20) disposed at ends of 106 ofaxles 107 upon which carriages 108 are respectively mounted. and whichcarriages are provided with extensions (Fig. 19) having o positelydisposed nibs adapted for anchorage in lu s 100 of belts 101 and 102 insimilar fashion as nibs 99. The carriages and their companion structuresare disposed in casings 91 and 92 in alternative fashion (Fig. 20) andcables 109 and 110 (Figs. 18, 20 and 25) pass through apertures in eachof said carriages and firmly secure said carriages by set-screws 111mounted in projections secured to said carriages. It is to be noted thatcasings 91 and 92 (Fig. 25) are slotted at their turns to permitcogwheels 81 and 82 (Fig. 26) and 89 and 90 (Fig. 25) to engage or meshwith the edges of the carriages so as to impart force to the train ofrollers in their respective casings. It is also to be noted that rollers105 are adapted to support the belts as they travel with their faces ina substantial horizontal plane or position.

It is obvious from the foregoing that casings 91 and 92 and theirrespective companion structures, house the carriages, Whose edgesrespectively mesh or register with wheels 81 and 82 and 89 and 90. Theedges of the carriages (Fig. 25) form teeth which, as aforesaid, meshwith the teeth of their respective cogwheels (Fig. 25 Wheels 81 and 82maintain the casings and structure in vertical alignment so that theribbed belt surfaces are in a horizontal plane and receive the similarpositioned tobacco bunches; while wheels 89 and maintain the rearportion of the convertor casings in a horizontal plane and belt surfacesin a vertical plane.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the device sofar described receives the tobacco bunches on the conveyor table 1 whichare transferred to the incline in the elevator 31, and passed fromthere, in a horizontal position, to the convertor 78 which graduallyconverts them from the original horizontal plane to a vertical plane;from whence they are transferred, in a vertical position, to the devicehereinafter described.

A pair of cogwheels 112 and 113 (Fig. 13) are respectively mounted onaxles 83 and 84 just above wheels 89 and 90 in casings 92 and 91 (Fig.25 Respectively connected to the upper ends of axles 83 and 84 are gears114 and 115 which are above the top portions of bearings 85. Gears 116and 117 are secured to an axle 118 mounted in bearings 119 and 120secured to one end of chamber 87, and respectively mesh with gears 114and 115. Secured to one end of axle 118 is a gear 119'. It is to benoted at this point that motion or force imparted to gear 119 actuatesaxle 118 respectivelv rotating axles 83 and 84 through gears 114 and116, and 115 and 117 thereby causing Wheels 89 and 90 (Fig. 25) torotate which propels the mechanism in casings 91 and 92 hereinbeforedescribed.

A pair of axles 121 and 122 (Figs. 15 and 16) are respectively mountedin bearings 123 and 124 secured to the sides of chamber 87. Cogwheels125 and 126 are respectively secured to axles 121 and 122, and at theupper ends of axles 121 and 122 are respectively secured gears 127 and128 which latter likewise mesh with gears 129 and 130 secured to an axle131 journalled in bearings 132 and 133 mounted on each side of chamber87. To one end of axle 131 is secured a gear 134.

Casings 135 and 136 (Figs. 12, 15 and 16) respectively house rollers,carriages and similar structure such as that described in the convertorand the edges of the carriages in casings 135 and 136 respectively meshwith gears 113 and 126; 112 and 125 (Figs. 13 and 15) at the insideturns of such casings which are slotted at that point in similar fashionas that illustrated in Fig. 25. Belts 137 and 138 travel about saidcasings and with one another with their ribbed surfaces in perpendicularfashion; said belts being imparted motion through gear 134; axle 131:gears 127 and 129; 128 and 130; axles 121 and 122 and wheels 125 and 126and the roller structure hereinbefore described.

The belts project slightly over the end of the convertor (Fig. 12) andare adapted to receive from the latter the vertically positioned tobaccobunches and move them into and out of the chamber. It is to be observedthat as the bunches travel along the convertor a table 137 (Figs. 1, 12and 29) supports the lower dangling portions of the bunches, and saidtableis surfaced so as to coincide with the position or plane thebunches assume from their horizontal to perpendicular positions overtheir course of travel while in convertor.

The tobacco bunches are sometimes either too dry or moist andaccordingly chamber 87 is provided with an air compressor 139A withmotor attachment (Fig. 12) well known in the art, and a steam chest 139,also known to the art. A pipe 140 has one of its ends connected to thecompressor and the other end to a joint 141, the air flow in said pipebeing controlled by a valve 142. Pipes 143 and 144 near one side ofchamber 87 are provided with nozzles 145 which register with and projectfrom apertures in said pipes.

A similar set of pipes are on the other side of the chamber and areconnected by a pipe 146 (Figs. 12 and 13). A pipe 147 is connected tothe compressor and controlled by valve 148. Pipe 147 connects with pipes149 and 150 constructed in similar fashion as pipes 143 and 144. Asimilar set of pipes are on the other side of the chamber and areconnected by a pipe 151 (Figs. 12 and 13 It will be noted that thenozzles in pipes 143 and 144; 149 and 150 (Fig. 13) are staggered so asthe bunches pass through the chamber the air will cause the bunches towave toward and from each side of the chamber and thus loosen them.

A pipe 152 is connected to the chest and pipe 140, being controlled by avalve 153. A pipe 154 is connected to pipe 147 and is also controlled bya valve 155. If steam is desired to be uesd valves 142 and 148 areclosed and either or both valves 153 and 155 are opened. If an isdesired valves 153 and 155 are closed and either or both valves 142 and148 are opened. Various variations of air and steam may be used at thesame time if desired, as is thought obvious from the foregoing. Apartition 156 spans the inside of chamber 87 and has an outlet 157therein through which the bunches pass. Exhaust funnels (Fig. 12) areprovided in top of chamber 87 to provide for the clearance of steam.

As the tobacco bunches pass through outlet 157 angular guides 158 and159 secured to partition 156 smooth and press the loosened tobaccogently together. An angular slide 160 (Figs. 14 and 16) is supported byrods 161 mounted upon a platform 162 secured to the sides of chamber 87.

A vibrator 163 (Figs. 14 and 15) is connected to one side of the forwardportion of slide 160 in pivotal fash on at 164 (Fig. 22); while a rod165 connects the other side in a similar manner at 166. The rod passesthrough a bearing 167 in one side of chamber 87 and is pivotallyconnected to one end of a link 168, the other end engaging a wheel 169mounted on an axle 170 journalled in a bearing 171 (Fig. 29). Thevibrator 163 is provided with a nose on its forward end. When thevibrator is actuated it noses or feels its way through the center of thetobacco bunches that ride over it and upon slide 160. The main purposeof the vibrator is to probe an opening through the moving bunches sothey may be spread upon the angular slide as shown in Fig. 14. The rearend 160a of slide 160 curves at a substantial right angle at 16% and isinclined downwardly at sufiicient angle to cause bunches to move downthe slide after they have left belts 137 and 138.

As the bunches move from the slide they next pass to a hanging orstacking machine which consists of a chain 172 that traverses chamber 87through its inlet 173 and outlet 174 (Fig. 16) and is mounted uponcogwheels 175 and 176, and 177. Wheel 175 has its axle journalled in abearing 178 housed in a support 179 disposed between casing 180. Wheels176 and 177 are respectively journalled in bearings housed in support181 also secured to a base outside chamber 87. Wheel 177 is adjustableso as to loosen or tighten chain 172 as clearly shown in Fig. 16.

The casing 180 (Fig. 14) extends upwardly so that each of its sidesextend evenly with chain 172. A platform 181 (Figs. 16 and 23) issecured between the casing near its flanged edges 182; which edgesextend from wheel 176 to below slide 160, and the platform continues toa point just above wheel 175 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 16.The flanges over a portion of the platform are provided so that theleaves of the bunches (Fig. 16) will not become entangled in the chain.

As the chain moves about its companion wheels a stick 183 (Fig. 16) isplaced thereon and rides upon said chain. The bunches descending slide160 fall upon the stick, in succession and substantially in uniformlyspaced relations. The stick is lifted from the chain when a quantity ofbunches are loaded in a fashion as illustrated in Fig. 24. A speedregulator 184 (Fig. 15), well known in the art, is connected to andadapted for actuating wheel 176. The tobacco is moved successively anduniformally throughout the entire device, and if it is desired to packmore tobacco on stick 183 the regulator is adjusted to cause wheels 175,176 and 181 to move slowly thereby causing more bunches to be loadedupon the stick. By speeding the wheels the sticks move faster thusspacing the bunches further apart.

Force is imparted to the various gears and mechanisms through the mediumof an electric motor 185 mounted upon a platform 186, as follows: Ashaft 187 has mounted thereon gears 188, 189 and 190 (Figs. 2, 4, l and29) that respectively mesh with gears 18, 43 and 59; said shaft beingmounted in bearings 191 and 192 respectively secured to leg 28 of theelevator frame and one side of chamber 87. Connected to one end of shaft187 is a pulley 193 (-Fig. 29) engaging a belt 194 mounted upon a pulley195 fixed to a shaft 196 journalled in bearings 197 and 198 and otherbearings as shown in 'Fig. 29, and which bearings are secured to oneside of chamber 87. Gears 119 and 134 respectively mesh with gears 199and 200 on shaft 196; while belt 201 is mounted upon pulleys 202 and 203respectively fixed to the axle of motor 185 and shaft 196. A belt 204respectively engages wheel 169 (Fig. 29) and a pulley 205 on shaft 196.A belt 206 is mounted upon pulleys 207 and 208 respectively secured tothe axle of the speed regulator and shaft 196.

.The general operation of the apparatus or machine as displayed by thedrawings appears to be substantially clear and for the most part, atleast, obvious. It may suflice to observe that the tobacco hands orbunches 23, Fig. 4, are spaced uniformly on belt 19 of the initialconveyor or table 1. Axle 187, as seen from the front end of the initialconveyor is rotated clockwise by the prime mover or motor 185 therebycausing the hands or bunches to be carried by belt 19 to the downwardinclined curved slide 25 to elevator belt 44 and under the gravityinfluenced chains 70, 71 and 72. As axle 187 turns clockwise it actuatesgears 189 and 43 and gear 39 is propelled counterclockwise as seen fromthe left side of the machine. Axle 41 and gear 40 rotate clockwisepropelling gear 39 counterclockwise and the pull on the upper stretch ofbelt 44 as indicated. Rotation of gear 190, Fig. 29, on shaft 187; gear59; axle 56, gear 55 and gear 54 rotate axle 50 upon which sprocketwheels 51, 52 and 53 are fixed driving the chains 70, 71 and 72 ascontemplated.

As the tobacco hands or bunches 23 pass from the belt and chains andover guide or slide 77 to the conveyor convertor 78, belts 101 and 102which are attached to the controlling guides or carriages in channels orcasings 91 and 92 are propelled by shaft 196, with gear 199 fixedthereon, Fig. 13, and gear 119; axle 118; gears 116 and 114; 117 and arearranged respectively in operative relation with axles 83 and 84. Wheels89 and 90, Fig. 25, are mounted on axles or shafts 83 and 84 and meshwith flanges 95, cogs and/or rods 105 and 106 within casings or channels91 and 92 and move the belts 101 and 102.

When the tobacco hands or bunches 23 leave the conveyor convertor theypass between belts 137 and 138 which belts are propelled by means ofrotating shaft 196, gears 200 and 134, axle 131, gears 129 and 127, and128, respectively in operative relation with axles 122 and 121, Fig. 15,that likewise have wheels 125 and 126 secured thereto and in operativerelation with the belts through the carriages and rollers in casings orchannels and 136. The tobacco bunches then pass from belts 137 and 138over slide upon chain 172 and on sticks 183 which are removed from saidchain to complete one cycle of the operation.

For the purpose of this application: bunches of tobacco is the same ashands of tobacco; vertical is the same as upright; likewise, verticallyis used in a sense to mean upright not necessarily at a right angle to ahorizontal or on a line passing through the center of the earth but onthe contrary any line making a major angle (90 with a horizontal plane.

The conveying system may include all of the conveyors of the machine andespecially the conveyor within the treating chamber. The nose of thevibrator 163 spreads the advancing tobacco leaves and shakes them asthey are passed along over and on the divider 160.

Having described this invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a tobacco bunch handling and treating machine, a system ofsupports and conveyors in combination with a tobacco treating chamber, aconveyor in said chamber to receive the tobacco from said system, aslide having an inclined supporting portion, said slide being locatedwith its major portion within said treating chamber to receive tobaccofrom said chamber conveyor, said tobacco being in the form of bunches,and adapted to guide individual bunches of tobacco suspended by theirheads for discharge from said slide, said slide having a portion thereoflocated beneath said chamber conveyor and in the path of the bunches oftobacco and adapted to spread their leaves while slidably guiding sameonto a tobacco stick, and means for conveying the stick to, through, andfrom the treating chamber.

2. The construction set forth in claim 1, in which the slide is providedwith a terminal portion, said terminal portion being flared outwardlyfrom its top to its lower edges constituting outwardly flared sideswhereby the oppositely disposed sides spread the tobacco leaves so as tostraddle the hanger stick.

3. The construction set forth in claim 1, in which the slide is providedwith a divider nose at its forward end, said slide conveyor beingprovided with vibrating means connected to the lower portion of thedivider nose and extending downwardly therefrom and then latterlythereof whereby the vibrating means is located substantially out of thepath of the advancing tobacco bunches.

4. The construction set forth in claim 1, in which the slide constitutesa divider means for spreading the suspended tobacco leaves into opposedspaced angular relation, said divider having its front and rear portionsarranged at a substantial angle to each other and said portions beingconnected by a guiding arcuate portion.

5. In an apparatus adapted to convey hands of tobacco and treat thesame, a conveying system for supporting and conveying hands of tobaccowhile maintained in a vertical position through a treating chamber, aslide in juxtaposition to one end of said conveying system for receivingthe hands therefrom and spreading the same while slidably guiding themonto a tobacco stick, and means for conveying the stick to, through, andfrom the treating chamber.

6. In a machine adapted to convey hands of tobacco therethrough andtreat the same, a conveyor system for supporting and conveying hands oftobacco while maintained in an upright position with their headsuppermost and their leaves suspended from said heads, in combinationwith a treating chamber having a conveyor therein and extendinglongitudinally thereof a combined support and convevor for a tobaccostick arranged transversely of said system and of said treating chamber,said combined support and conveyor comprising an endless belt havingstretches thereof located in an upright plane, and supporting means forsupporting the major portion of the upper stretch of said belt insubstantially a horizontal position, said supporting means comprising achannel member open at the top to receive the stick and guide the1saarlne as it is advanced by the upper stretch of said endless 7. In atobacco hand or bunch handling and treating machine, the substructurecomprising a combined support and bunch handling and conveyorconstruction, a tobacco stick conveyor, said stick conveyor beingarranged transversely of the machine, said stick conveyor comprising anendless belt having stretches thereof located in an upright plane, and aguide to transfer the bunches from the bunch handling conveyor to thestick conveyor, in combination with a supporting means for supportingthe upper stretch of said belt in substantially a horizontal position,said supporting means comprising a channel member open at the top toreceive the stick and guide the same as it is advanced by the upperstretch of said endless belt.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS828,455 Brown et al. Aug. 14, 1906 1,017,713 Vaughan Feb. 20, 19121,362,893 Paylor Dec. 21, 1920 1,957,727 Perkinson May 8, 1934 1,982,990Harris Dec. 4, 1934 2,153,442 Touton Apr. 4, 1939 2,188,307 PattersonJan. 30, 1940

